Stadler on test at Bristol Parkway

[jazzy]

Can someone identify this Stadler that I saw at Bristol Parkway on test recently? Why’s it being tested through Bristol? What routes is it destined for?

Thanks in anticipation

 

[JonathanH]

What routes is it destined for?

Class 231 - ultimately a fleet of 11 destined for Cheltenham Spa / Ebbw Vale to Cardiff / Maesteg replacing 170s to EMR (but possibly initially to be used on the Rhymney line to release 769s for scrap until the 756s arrive).

Basic point is that they aren't intended to run to Bristol, just a convenient place to run proving runs to.

Can someone identify this Stadler that I saw at Bristol Parkway on test recently?

Your picture shows the unit to be 231011.

 

[fgwrich]

Class 231 - ultimately a fleet of 11 destined for Cheltenham Spa / Ebbw Vale to Cardiff / Maesteg replacing 170s to EMR (but possibly initially to be used on the Rhymney line to release 769s for scrap until the 756s arrive).

Basic point is that they aren't intended to run to Bristol, just a convenient place to run proving runs to.


Your picture shows the unit to be 231011.

They were initially carrying out testing runs to Gloucester, then switched to Swindon whilst the route via Chepstow was closed due to engineering works. Presumably, if the paths are available to use, TFW (and whoever is conducting the testing for TFW) have decided to continue conducting the milage runs to Swindon instead of Gloucester.

 

[swt_passenger]

Within reason, trains are tested where ever they can be pathed most easily. If the intention is simply to cover a set mileage quickly then they can end up well outside their future operating area. I think a couple of years ago it was reported here that some dual voltage LO stock was seen south of Gatwick, and also well up the WCML.

 

[Bob Price]

Exactly, it's not uncommon to see Greater Anglia 720's at Crewe on test. The 231's have ventured as far as Hullavington past Swindon which they use as a turn back

 

[penguin8967]

Presumably, if the paths are available to use, TFW (and whoever is conducting the testing for TFW) have decided to continue conducting the milage runs to Swindon instead of Gloucester.

The runs are to both Gloucester (via Chepstow) and Swindon (via Severn Tunnel) at the moment - my assumption would be that the Swindon runs allow for faster mileage accumulation whereas the Gloucester ones are used to test the units on their future route.
They're also ran by GBRf if you were wondering.

 

[Energy]

Within reason, trains are tested where ever they can be pathed most easily. If the intention is simply to cover a set mileage quickly then they can end up well outside their future operating area. I think a couple of years ago it was reported here that some dual voltage LO stock was seen south of Gatwick, and also well up the WCML.

The TPE mk5s (and possibly 397s) went all the way down to Rugby on the WCML during testing.